World Series of Poker Goes NASCAR

The WSOP is going NASCAR.

This Sunday, Robby Gordon will premiere the World Series of Poker car at the Sony HD 500, run at the California Speedway. Harrah's will sponsor Gordon's No. 7 Chevy in at least three upcoming races. The race will be shown on NBC Sunday at 7 p.m.

The new paint scheme will promote the 2006 WSOP telecasts that air Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on ESPN through Sept. 26 and 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. through Oct. 31.

The new design for the No. 7 Chevy will prominently display the WSOP and ESPN logos on the hood of the car and will feature an additional WSOP logo on a poker chip just above the rear wheels. The rear half of the car is painted green to simulate the felt of WSOP tables.

It should surprise no one that Harrah's decided to get into the NASCAR sponsorship game. Jeffrey Pollack, the first and current commissioner of the WSOP, used to work as managing director of broadcasting and new media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment.

"NASCAR fans are the most brand-loyal fans in the world," Pollack said. "There's no doubt that running this paint scheme with Robby Gordon will increase our profile around the world and help drive exposure for our telecasts on ESPN."

The car will also be run at the Banquet 400 (Kansas Speedway) on Oct. 1 and the UAW-Ford 500 (Talladega Superspeedway) on Oct. 8. Harrah's also will hold a public event at its North Kansas City and Prairie Band casinos for guests 21 years of age and older on September 28 and September 29, where guests can meet Robby Gordon.

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